Following overnight snow along with freezing temperatures, many back roads are in a treacherous condition this morning.
The Boyle to Gurteen road, Boyle to Frenchpark and Boyle to Ballyfarnon roads are all reported to be particularly dangerous.
Sligo Co Co issued a weather advisory at 7.30am this morning which said: “With further over-night snow and very low temperatures, all roads are treacherous this morning, even treated roads. Motorists are asked to take extreme care on all roads”.
A Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning remains in place for Roscommon and all of Ireland until 11am Friday.
Gardai are advising motorists to drive with caution and have issued the following advice for driving in snow and ice:
• Clear your windows, mirrors and lights before you set out – do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass
• Ensure your vehicle is clear of snow including the roof
• Have sunglasses in the car
• Visibility may be reduced. However, do not hang on to the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you
• Use your dipped headlights and fog lights
• Manoeuvre gently, too much steering is bad
• Slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front
• When you slow down, use your brakes gently so that the brake lights warn drivers behind you
• Avoid harsh braking and acceleration
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends
• If your car has rear wheel drive the addition of extra weight in the boot will help your wheels to grip
• Be careful on compacted snow – it may have turned to ice
• Watch out for black ice especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees, under or on bridges and adjacent to high walls
If your vehicle begins to skid you should:
• Identify the cause – it is either; too much braking, too much steering, too much acceleration or a combination of these.
• Remove the cause – gently and smoothly
• Avoid over-correction with too much steering, be ready for a secondary skid in the opposite direction
• Cars have different braking systems. For full detailed information on breaking check the Garda and RSA websites.
(File image: Second Gate of Rockingham copyright Boyletoday.com)
